US universities issue letter condemning Trump’s ‘political interference’ in country’s education system

Over 100 universities and colleges across the US issued a joint letter on Tuesday, denouncing the Trump administration’s “unprecedented government overreach and political interference,” in the country’s education system.
The letter was signed by leaders from a wide range of schools, including large state universities, small liberal arts colleges, and Ivy League institutions like Harvard, Princeton, and Brown.
The move follows Harvard University’s lawsuit against the Trump administration, which had threatened to cut funding and enforce external political oversight.
The joint statement emphasised their unified opposition to governmental interference in academic institutions, rejecting excessive governmental control over campus communities.
“We speak with one voice against the unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education,” the letter read.
“We are open to constructive reform and do not oppose legitimate government oversight. However, we must oppose undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live, and work on our campuses,” it continued.
“We must reject the coercive use of public research funding,” it added.
The administration has targeted several prestigious universities, challenging their handling of alleged campus anti-Semitism and threatening their financial resources, tax status and international student enrolment.
Some prominent institutions, including Columbia University, have bowed down to administrative pressures amidst claims of left-wing bias in elite education.
Earlier on Monday, Harvard University initiated legal proceedings following the administration’s decision to suspend $2.3 billion in federal funding and threats to withdraw tax exemptions, citing concerns over the university’s response to pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
Harvard University president Alan Garber asserted, “Moments ago, we filed a lawsuit to halt the funding freeze because it is unlawful and beyond the government’s authority.”